Frame Off Restored FJ-43 Land Cruiser 4230 cc I6 135 HP 4 Speed PS A/C

SUMMARY

* Professional restoration completed in 2015
* Original 2F 6-cylinder
* Original 4-speed manual transmission
* Air conditioning
* Mostly original sheetmetal
* Correct Olive Green paint
* Power steering
* Power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Exclusive FJ43 medium wheelbase chassis

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After a decade of shaky gas prices and soft, car-based 'crossovers', it seems the world's largest vehicle markets are re-discovering the magic of compact, body-on-frame utility vehicles. Some of those offerings, like the legendary Jeep Wrangler and popular Toyota Tacoma, never really left. But, in general, the segment is seeing a big resurgence through additions like the Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger and rumored Ford Bronco. All that numbers talk simply reinforces the fact that trucks, and truck-based vehicles, will simply never go out of style. And that level of consumer confidence bodes extremely well for classics like this exclusive FJ43 Land Cruiser. Freshly restored and professionally polished, this tough Toyota is one of the most capable SUVs ever built. And if you're looking to put a little fun on your map, it's a worldly 4x4 that will not disappoint!

BODYWORK

Born from practicality and wartime necessity, the Land Cruiser began life as a reverse engineered Bantam GP that Toyota assembled for the Imperial Japanese Army. The truck's rugged construction and tidy proportions proved extremely useful when it came to transporting soldiers, towing equipment and all-terrain motoring. And eventually, circa 1953, Toyota decided to market its proven creation directly to civilians. The beneficiary of a professional restoration that took place at Vintage Land in Colombia, South America, this 1980 FJ43 is a rare medium wheelbase Land Cruiser that made its second debut in early 2015. The truck's mostly-original body was worked all the way to bare metal, promptly re-sprayed in correct 653 Olive Green pigment and shrouded in a fresh canvas roof. And presently, that Rhino-inspired shell creates a classy, wet-look profile that mixes searing glares with smooth reflections.

ENGINE

Mechanically, this FJ exemplifies that top-notch restoration via its original engine, which wears a familiar “2F” assembly stamp. Based on General Motor's stalwart Stovebolt Six, Toyota's famous overhead valve mill isn't a grossly overpowered piece, producing a competent 135 horsepower. But it's certainly proven its ability to get this compact 4x4 out of many tight situations and tow just about any moderately sized toy its owners can imagine. At the top of the black block, restored air induction pipes wind to a small Aisan carburetor. At the base of that carb, a silver, “2F” branded valve cover caps factory intake and exhaust manifolds. At the base of that cover, a traditional points distributor sequences spark through beefy 8mm I.J.U. plug wires. And the truck's clean engine bay is dotted with many trail-ready essentials, including a re-cored radiator and proven MAC battery.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Built to mimic America's hella tough Jeep, this old school SUV features part-time 4-wheel drive and enough ground clearance to give new meaning to the phrase “stump jumper”. The truck's rugged 4-speed utilizes big gears to serve up an awesome combination of inclement weather capability and off-road prowess. Factory power steering makes turns and crawls a bit more user friendly. New-for-1976 front disc and rear drum brakes have been augmented with modern power assist. The truck's chassis rides a factory-spec suspension that mixes a pair of solid axles with a quartet of leaf springs. Factory replacement pipes shuttle spent gases through a transversely mounted muffler. And at the corners of the floor, Charcoal steelies spin 31x10.50R15 Bridgestone Dueler A/Ts around AVM hubs and simple stainless center caps.

INTERIOR

Inside this classic, you'll find a spacious and comfortable cockpit that has enough room to be your vehicle of choice for any weekend adventure. The professionally restored seats, front bucket and folding, opposing rear jump, are wrapped in high quality vinyl. In front of the driver, a boxy dash hangs clear gauges and restored knobs over cool air conditioning and a Toyota-branded radio delete. Below that dash, a duo of shifters, one for the 4-speed and one for the 4-wheel drive, ride thick floor mats. Opposite those shifters, simple door panels frame small plastic handles and traditional window cranks. And the driver stays connected to the road thanks to a factory-issue steering wheel.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Restoration photos
* Restoration receipts
* A replica tool kit
* A work light

Despite volatile gas prices and increasing emissions standards, it's pretty evident that truck-based people movers will continue as some of consumers' most popular investments. That means offerings like this exclusive Toyota are all around winners when it comes to restoration and appreciation. So, what are you waiting for? Break out the compass and set your heading to RK Motors Charlotte for your chance to own one of the nicest Land Cruisers on the planet!